The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in the Nurembrg
Chronicle(1943); alongside the woodcut portrait of Valentine, the
text states that he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of
Claudius II, known as Claudius Gothicus. He was arrested and
imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise
aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in
Rome. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. Claudius
took a liking to the prisoner – until Valentine tried to convert the
Emperor – whereupon this priest was condemned to death.